Your baby’s plastic free bath time

Splish splash!

Finn (my son) and I have LOADS of fun at bath time, but I must say it’s always been a struggle for it to be a plastic free bath time…

From shampoo bottles to plastic bath toys, the mainstream market is set up for a super plasticised baby bath time! It’s hard to avoid totally, but I’ve found a few products and have learnt a few bath time hacks, which might help you avoid plastic at while in the bath or shower. 

Here’s why you might want to avoid plastic at bath time in the first place.

1. PLASTIC FREE ENVIRONMENT: Set the scene with dimmed lights and aromatherapy - Particularly when Finn was a little newborn, just getting used to being out of the womb, I tried to get him used to circadian rhythms by getting him into a bath time and bedtime routine. My first step was a nice warm bath with the lights dimmed low, and pop on some very gentle aromatherapy oils. I would highly recommend this Aromatherapy Stone - you can pop a teeny bit of essential oil in at bath time, and then it’s really easy to take with you to their bedroom for cosy sleepy snoozy snoozy time.   
2. PLASTIC FREE BATH TIME PLAY: Plastic free play time is really important for babies. It’s crucial for their development that they safely explore fun and diverse objects, and that those objects are non-toxic. Sadly, a lot of the plastic bath toys are known to leach chemicals like PVC, BPA, phthalates and many other yucky chemicals into the bath water, which in turn can be absorbed by their sensitive and developing skin. Not nice. Some nice options for bath time plastic free toys, are wooden toys or natural rubber toys. Have a look at Boo the Bunny Rubber Teething Toy      which is particularly good for babies who need something to chew on at bath time because of their little teethies coming through.                        Also, my son Finn really likes to take his natural rubber animals and dinosaurs into the bath with him, to ‘walk’ across the surfaces and get a good wash!   Finn (now 2 and a half) currently really enjoys having some safe items from the kitchen, to bang, explore, wash or explore water with, such as wooden spoons, wooden bowls, metal colander, and coconut shells (particularly nice as little boats!). I’ve also tried out cutting up bits of cotton and felt into numbers and letters, which stick to the side of the bath, which are an easy homemade alternative to the plastic numbers and letters that you can buy.
3. PLASTIC FREE WASHING AND WIPING: Finn really enjoys washing himself with a plastic free wipe or sponge in the bath. It’s taken a little time for him to master, but he’s getting there. There are some really nice plastic free alternatives to plastic based sponges and polyester wipes which are most commonly offered in other baby shops. These organic bamboo wipes or this Cotton & Linen Bath Pouf are 100% biodegradable and are a lovely eco friendly alternative of this popular bath item. 

4. PLASTIC FREE TOILET TRAINING: After bath time it’s always a must to at least try to go to the loo before bed. An excellent alternative to the normal plastic potty, is this lovely biodegradable potty.  At first sight it is identical to traditional plastic of other potties. The only difference is its chemical composition; this potty (in three colour options) is entirely made of BIOplastic, is the first 100% biodegradable potty and a real friend of our environment and is non-toxic, so it’s completely safe for your child while potty training. The bioplastic in this biodegradable potty is made of renewable raw materials such as corn, beetroot and switchgrass. Read more about plastic free potty training. 
5. PLASTIC FREE BATH PRODUCTS: Instead of using shampoos and soaps in a plastic bottle, you could try to aim for refillable glass options such as these or indeed solid soaps, both of which have the added benefit of looking lovely in your bathroom!  They are a great way to avoid disposable plastics, and it’s the place that I started when I was going plastic free. Small steps! Another good eco swap if you are new to going plastic free is to get some eco plastic free toothbrushes for the whole family, or some eco bamboo cotton buds. 
6. PLASTIC FREE BATH ROBE: After a nice warm bath, there’s nothing nicer than to wrap up in a super cosy bath robe. I honestly think that there’s no nicer option than this beautiful bathrobe from Fabelab. Finn and his friend both have matching ochre bathrobes (cute!). They are so soft and are made of organic cotton. They can be used at home, or even used after a swim at the beach or pool too, so they double up well. They are just SO nice! 

Let me know what plastic free baby bath time hacks and tips you have!

Enjoy splashing :)